Chapter 208 Rupert had chosen a charming bistro with impable ambiance for their dinner . The interior featured warm tones and soft lighting from elegant chandeliers , creating an atmosphere both intimate and magical . Vintage oil paintings adorned the walls , lending artistic character to the tranquil space . Rupert guided Lena by the hand while Thalia walked with Lucy beside her . The ma?tre d '' led them to a prime window table with a spectacr view .


    A small , exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers graced the center of the ss table , its subtle fragrance enhancing the pleasant atmosphere . The two girls settled in next to each other . Rupert and Thalia took their seats as well . The round table wasn''t particrlyrge , cing them in close proximity . The gentle notes of a ssical piano piece drifted through the air . After ordering for the children , Rupert passed the menu to Thalia .


    As she looked up , her eyes unexpectedly locked with a pair of dark , prating ones . She froze , her smile vanishing instantly . Asher stood a short distance away , his gaze intense and unreadable . Beside him stood a stunning woman with cascading waves of hair . Despite years without seeing her , Thalia instantly recognized Lucia Schulz . Remembering Charlotte''s warning that Lucia had returned to London specifically for Asher , Thalia felt a knot form in her stomach .


    She carefully averted her gaze . Rupert had also spotted the pair . " Well , what a coincidence , Mr. ckwood , " he said with a pointed smile . " Is this your date for the evening ? " Asher''s expression darkened . " She is not , " he replied , his voice frost -den . Lucia smiled warmly . " Hello there ! I''m Lucia Schulz . I''m Asher''s … " Chapter 208 Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Thalia before continuing , " … friend .


    " Thalia maintained herposure , though her heart skipped a beat . The casual way Lucia used his first name didn''t escape her notice . Thalia lowered her eyes , masking the flicker of emotion that passed through them . " Thalia , it''s been forever ! " Lucia eximed with practiced brightness . " You remember me , don''t you ? We met years ago . " Thalia nodded, her response deliberately neutral . " Of course . It has been quite some time . Life treating you well ?


    " Asher , his face a mask of indifference , strode toward their table . Lucia followed in his wake . " Ms. Winters , " Asher said , pulling a chair from a nearby table and positioning it beside Thalia . " How are the ckwood Group cases progressing ? " " Rest assured , Mr. ckwood , " Thalia replied evenly , her expression carefully nk . " I''ve been thoroughly reviewing all yourpany''s cases . I''ve gone through the evidence twice already .


    " The already intimate table became decidedly crowded with Asher''s addition . " Asher , darling , " Lucia interjected with a smile , " business hours are over . Work can wait for another day . Let''s find our own table - Thalia''s clearly on a date , and we shouldn''t intrude . " Asher''s eyes narrowed . " A date ? " he echoed , his tone dangerously soft as he looked at Thalia . Thalia frowned slightly . " It''s just dinner .


    " Her instinctive rification softened Asher''s expression , though the jealousy still simmered beneath the surface . One moment of inattention and Rupert had managed to whisk Lia away for dinner . ncing at the two children sitting opposite , Asher quickly deduced that Rupert had used the girls as a convenient excuse to spend time with Thalia . " Come on , Thalia , no need to be shy about it , " Lucia said , reaching for Asher''s sleeve . " Asher , let''s go find our table .


    " Asher shifted away , deliberately avoiding her touch . " Since Ms. Winters and Mr. Lysander aren''t on a date , " he said coolly , " you wouldn''t mind if I joined you ? We''re all old friends here , and it''s been ages since I''ve caught up with Ms. Winters . Perfect opportunity to discuss our cases . " Lucia''s smile froze on her face . Chapter 208 Rupert gave a softugh . " I''m afraid that''s not convenient , Mr. ckwood . We''re here with children today .


    " Asher turned to Lucy with a gentle smile that transformed his face . " Lucy , would you mind if I joined you for dinner ? " Lucy''s face lit up at seeing Asher . Previously , she had happily called him " brother - in -w , " and he''d always been generous with gifts and attention . She certainly didn''t mind hispany . " Not at all ! " Lucy replied cheerfully . A triumphant smile yed at Asher''s lips as he turned back to Rupert . " Lucy doesn''t mind . Why so territorial , Mr. Lysander ?


    " Rupert met Asher''s challenging gaze unflinchingly , his smile never wavering . " Mr. ckwood arrived with a lovelypanion . If you squeeze in with us , what bes of Ms. Schulz ? " Without missing a beat , Asher addressed Lucia . " Something''se up . You should head back - we''ll discuss the project another day . " His deliberate mention of " the project " was clearly intended for Thalia''s benefit - a signal that this was a business meeting , not a date .


    As he spoke , his eyes never left Thalia''s face . However , Thalia wasn''t looking at him , her expression carefully neutral , seemingly indifferent to the entire situation . A flicker of disappointment crossed Asher''s features . " That''s hardly gentlemanly behavior , Mr. ckwood , " Rupert remarked with a smile . " Abandoning yourpanion so abruptly ? " " That''s not your concern , " Asher replied coldly .


    He then casually picked up the menu and added two dishes for himself , acting as if he''d been part of Thalia''s party all along . Thalia pressed her lips together , stealing a nce at Lucia as an unwee pang of jealousy surfaced . " Since Mr. ckwood arrived with Ms. Schulz , it would be rude to leave her behind , " Thalia said diplomatically . " We can discuss the cases tomorrow during business hours . I prefer to keep work and personal time separate . " Asher raised an eyebrow .


    " That''s a new policy , isn''t it , Ms. Winters ? I distinctly recall you and Mr. Lysander discussing work quite enthusiastically in your living room . " His tone carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy . " Why the sudden aversion to discussing work with me specifically ? " Thalia gave him a cool nce that clearly said , " Don''t be ridiculous . " 14:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.8 % 1 Chapter 208 Seeing Lucia''s increasingly awkward expression , Thalia sighed and stood up .


    " If Mr. ckwood insists on joining us , perhaps we should move to arger table . " Asher''s eyebrow arched higher . After Thalia relocated , Lucy and Lena obediently followed to therger table . Asher smiled , immediately iming the seat next to Thalia . Seeing the additional space , Lucia took the chair beside Asher . Rupert had no choice but to join them .


    What had promised to be a pleasant dinner was now thoroughly disrupted , the intimate atmospherepletely shattered by Asher''s intrusion . Rupert shot Asher a look of barely concealed irritation . Asher responded with a smug smile of victory . Lucia observed the silent battle between the two men , her fingers tightening around her coffee cup as realization dawned . ? ( 0 ) ( 0 )